Localized thermal management system

ABSTRACT

Localized thermal management system. The system includes an array of emitters of beams of infrared radiation mourned for rotation within a volumetric space. A motion tracking system determines location coordinates of at least one individual moving within the space and a servomotor controls the rotation of the emitters to direct at least one beam toward the at least one individual to provide local warming.

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62/051,379 filed on Sep. 17, 2014, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a localized thermal management system for heating building occupants individually with infrared radiation.

Conventional zone heating systems heat an overall internal volume to a specified temperature. Oftentimes, the specified temperature is too warm for some building occupants and too cool for others. If occupants of a building could be warmed individually, the temperature in the overall internal space can be lowered, thereby saving significant energy.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide supplemental infrared heating dynamically to occupants moving freely within a building space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The localized thermal management system according to the invention includes an array of emitters of beams of infrared radiation mounted for activation within a volumetric space. A motion tracking system is provided for determining the location coordinates of at least one individual moving within the space. The emitters are controlled and turned on/off to direct at least one beam toward the at least one individual to provide local warming. In one embodiment, a servomotor controls rotation of an emitter to steer a beam. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one beam is turned on when an individual is within reach of the beam from an emitter. The invention thus provides a personalized thermal condition tailored to a specific individual by adjusting the intensity of the emissions.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two emitters direct beams at a single individual from different angles. It is preferred that the beams of infrared light be substantially parallel so as to lose a minimum amount of heat. It is also preferred that individuals be able to change heating settings using a digital application such as a smart phone. It is also preferred that the motion tracking system determines the location coordinates in near real-time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, cutaway view of an infrared emitter for use with the present invention

FIG. 2 a is a phonograph of emitters mounted for heating individual occupants of a building.

FIG. 2 b is a photograph of emitters mounted for rotation for tracking as occupant.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a ceiling installation of infrared emitters for use with the invention.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are perspective views of outdoor spaces utilizing the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of awnings including rotational members for reflecting infrared radiation to selected building occupants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention includes three subsystems, namely, motion tracking, activation control and infrared emitters.

Motion tracking is used to provide a nearly real-time identification of an individual's location coordinates within a building space. Any motion tracking system for determining location may be used. An example of a tracking system suitable for the present invention is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,862. In this patent, tracking is used to control a spotlight to illuminate an individual such as a performer on a stage. The contents of this patent are incorporated herein by reference. An occupant's location is then used to adjust the rotational position of heat emitter in a dynamic fashion and to turn on when a target is within reach of an emitter. By identifying a specific occupant, the system of the invention allows personalization so that each person within the building volume can set an individualized thermal condition.

The present invention's activation control coordinates the switching of infrared bulbs on and off and also is used to control their rotation for directing beams of infrared radiation. It is preferred that the system be programmed to have a minimum of two emitters heating each occupant from two different angles at a time.

Each emitter in the system of the invention includes a source of infrared light such as an infrared bulb. The emitter may contain a servomotor to enable its rotation in order to steer an infrared beam. It is desirable that the beam of light be as parallel as possible so that a minimum amount of heat is lost.

With reference to FIG. 1, an emitter assembly 10 includes an infrared bulb 12. The bulb 12 is mounted for rotation by a servo and pulley assembly 14 for reorienting the bulb 12 to direct a beam of infrared radiation.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are photographs of emitters installed for carrying out the objects of the invention. Similarly, FIG. 3 is a photograph of a ceiling installation of emitters for accomplishing the purposes of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show emitters extending from awnings outside buildings for providing warmth to individuals.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which awning slats rotate selectively to reflect infrared radiation from a source onto selected individuals to provide a warming environment.

The present invention provides advantages and improvements over existing heating systems. Instead of keeping volumetric indoor spaces heated at constant temperatures, the local warming system of the invention becomes active only when people occupy, and move around, in a building. Radiation is dynamically directed at the occupants, so long as the occupant is within reach of a beam of the system. The invention's infrared technology operates as a long range energy transfer that is dynamically aimed at moving targets and without substantially heating the air that surrounds them. The present invention allows for a reduction in energy use when compared to a traditional heating system. The most significant energy savings afforded by the present invention occurs when the system is utilized in large spaces with fluctuating levels of occupancy or traffic. The present invention is able quickly to adjust the intensity of each emitter to provide a desired amount of warmth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Localized thermal management system comprising: an array of emitters of beams of infrared radiation mounted within a volumetric space; a motion tracking system for determining location coordinates of at least one individual moving within the space; and on/off control of the emitters to direct at least one beam toward the at least one individual to provide local warming.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the emitters are mounted for rotation to steer the beam.
 3. The system of claim 2 including servomotor control of rotation of the emitters.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one emitter is turned on when an individual is within reach of a beam.
 5. The system of claim 1 providing a personalized thermal condition tailored to a specific individual by adjusting the intensity of emissions.
 6. The system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least two emitters direct beams at a single individual from different angles.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the beams of infrared light are substantially parallel.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein individuals may change heating settings using a digital application.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the motion tracking system determines the location coordinates in near real-time. 